KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW X5 (E70) xDrive30d / 40d (N57, desde 2010) common problems.

2007–2013 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

N57 timing chainValve timing

Engine / equipment: N57 3.0 diesel (325d/330d/335d, 525d/530d/535d, 730d, X3/X5/X6 30d-40d)
Period mentioned: 2008–2018 (most cases 2008–2011)
Symptoms: Chain rattle for the first 5–10 seconds after starting; on engines with low oil pressure, noises and oil pump damage.
Possible cause described: Rear-mounted single-row chain with plastic guides and a tensioner; it stretches, especially with long oil change intervals. Far more durable than the N47's, with most lasting beyond 200,000 km.
Check for the garage: Listen to a cold start and check the oil change history. The gearbox must come off to replace it.
Cost cited in the source: €2,500–4,500A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: from 200,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Corrupted FRM3 module (lights and windows)Electrical and electronic systems

Engine / equipment: FRM3 footwell module (lights, indicators and windows): 1 Series E81 to E88, 3 Series E90 to E93, X1 E84, Z4 E89, X5 E70, X6 E71 and E72 and MINI R55 to R61
Period mentioned: 2004–2015
Symptoms: After a flat battery, a battery change or disconnection, or a jump start: lights, indicators or windows stop working, side or dipped lights stay on and diagnostics cannot communicate with the module (for example code 00A3C1).
Possible cause described: The module's EEPROM gets corrupted by low or unstable voltage: a flat battery, jump starting, overcharging from a faulty alternator or loose terminals. It is a module software fault, not a wiring fault.
Check for the garage: Check the battery and charging and try communicating with ISTA. If the module does not respond, it can be repaired by rewriting its EEPROM (specialist services or programmers) instead of being replaced, then coded. Use a voltage maintainer when working on the car.
Cost cited in the source: Repair by a specialist service: from about €20–60 plus postage; new module with dealer coding: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

ZF 8HP oil level, leaks and harsh shiftsAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: ZF 8HP automatic gearbox in rear-wheel-drive BMWs from 2009 (1 to 8 Series and X: F20, F30, F10, G20, G30, X3, X5…)
Period mentioned: 2009–2026
Symptoms: Harsh shifts (especially engaging D and 1st to 2nd), slipping or jerking; oil leaks from the pan, the mechatronic connector sleeve or the seals.
Possible cause described: BMW's diagnostic guide says an incorrect oil level is a frequent cause of shift complaints and asks for it to be checked every time, even with no visible leaks; the pan can be damaged by impacts. The sealing sleeve between gearbox and mechatronic lets oil through to the connector. The oil, sold as lifetime, degrades.
Check for the garage: Check the oil level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running), look for leaks at the pan, connector sleeve and seals, inspect the pan for impact damage and review adaptation values with ISTA.
Cost cited in the source: Oil change with pan and filter: maintenance; sleeve or seals: minor repair; mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

xDrive transfer case actuator motorTransmission

Engine / equipment: ATC 400/500 transfer case with actuator motor (X3 E83, X5 E53 from 2004, X5 E70, X6 E71/E72)
Period mentioned: 2004–2014
Symptoms: The 4x4, ABS and brake warning lights come on together while driving (often intermittently), a click or clunk under the car when switching the ignition off or on, and jerky acceleration in low gears.
Possible cause described: The plastic gear in the motor that drives the transfer case clutch wears out, and the system disables all-wheel drive, ABS and stability control to protect itself. A parts manufacturer names an excessive difference in tread depth between front and rear tyres as a common cause of the wear.
Check for the garage: Scan every module with a diagnostic tool (transfer case codes) and measure the tread depth on all four tyres. The ABS and brake lights can have other causes, such as a wheel sensor or the ABS module: confirm before replacing parts. With the brake light on, also check the fluid and do not drive if the pedal feels abnormal.
Cost cited in the source: Complete actuator motor: about $350 in a US forum case; a cheaper reinforced gear is also sold on its own. Tyres extra if wear differs between axles.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.